“I thought it doesn’t happen often.” At least, that’s what Eric told me earlier.
“It doesn’t.” Both Eric and Dylan speak at the same time.
Dylan continues, “I can count on one hand how many people we’ve banned. Don’t get me wrong, we get a couple of unruly folks every once in a while. But rarely does anyone actually try to lay hands on an employee.”
“That makes me feel slightly better.”
“How much longer do we need to stay?” Delilah asks Eric. I figured she would defer to Dylan since Angie is his girlfriend, but I guess he doesn’t have much authority here.
“As soon as Patrick and Lisa are done, we can head out.” He nods toward Dylan. “You don’t have to stay.”
“I know, but I need to call the tow truck for that guy’s car, and I want to make sure I get the right one.” He glances to the side where my fellow coworkers are putting the mop and broom away. “Y’all can head out if you want. I can lock up.”
Delilah jumps at the chance. “I’ll see y’all next shift.” She stops by the podium and grabs her wallet and keys. Within a minute she’s out the door.
Eric doesn’t budge until he sees her headlights flash across the door. I’m honestly surprised he didn’t walk out with her. He usually makes us walk out as a group to make sure nothing happens. Not that she gave him much of a chance. I don’t blame her, though. She probably wants to spend some time with her boyfriend.
“Are we good to go?” Lisa asks as she walks out of the kitchen.
I nod before anyone else can say anything. “Dylan said he’d lock up.”
“Sweet!” She does a little dance. “I can go home and get some sleep. It’s weird sleeping in that big house when Devin is gone.”
My mouth opens to invite her to eat with me and Eric, but at the shake of his head I close it. I move toward her and give her a hug. “Hope you get some rest. Not much longer until he’s home for a while.”
“Be careful going home.” I don’t correct her as she walks out the front door. I turn to Eric and look up. “You ready?”
“Yep.” We wave bye and head outside. It’s still stupid hot despite the late hour. “How do you want to do this? We can leave your car here and we can ride together. You can follow me, or I can pick up the food and meet you at my house.”
“I can meet you at the house.” I head toward my car and he follows behind me. Lisa gives a quick honk as she pulls out of the parking lot. “I’ll just wait in the car until you get there.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll text you the code so you can get inside.”
“It’s fi—”
“Don’t bother arguing. There’s no point in you sitting in my driveway. The neighbors may call the cops if they are up to being nosy.” He shrugs, “besides, it’s not like I have anything to hide.”
“Fine,” I groan. It’s going to feel weird being in his space without him. I mean, I’ve only been to his house once, but I didn’t exactly see much to keep me occupied.
“See, arguing would have been pointless.”
He leans down and gives me a peck on the cheek. I stare at him, dumbfounded. Heat replaces the spot his lips just touched. Oh my God, now is not the time to freak out. Also, how long has it been since I’ve let any other person be affectionate like that with me. Too long to count.
“I’m sorry,” he mutters. “I shouldn’t have done that without asking.”
“No, it’s fine.” My hand instinctively moves to my face, and I force it down so I don’t look like a lovestruck woman. “Do you, uh, want to text me the code?”
“Yeah.” He pulls his phone out of his pocket, tapping quickly before placing it back. My phone dings in response. “What do you want to eat?”
Oh, yeah, that. It’s been so long since I’ve had breakfast in the middle of the night. Definitely before I had kids. “How about waffles, bacon, and hash browns.”
“A girl after my own heart.” He places his hands on his chest for emphasis. “I’ll call it in so it’ll be almost ready when I get there.”
He slowly backs away, eyes on me, until he bumps into his car. I wouldn’t have opposed another kiss, but I know he felt bad about the peck. “I’ll see you at your house.”
“See you there.” He waves for me to get in my car and doesn’t budge until I’m safely inside and buckled in. Finally, he moves around his car until he does the same. I see him reach for his phone once more before lifting it to his ear. There’s no point waiting around for him. I turn my car on and head out of the parking lot, wondering what I’m supposed to do alone in his house while I wait for him.
The quiet in the house is overwhelming while I wait for Eric to get here. I don’t see a radio anywhere to listen to music, and I’m not the type to rummage through his things to see what type of person he is. That’s best left for conversation.
